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11.08.2012

Trial Run. The knee pain is back.

Last night I decided I was going to try to run.
Just a short 2 miler... nothing major. To make sure the knee pain was gone.
I'll let you see for yourself how it went:

Yeah, not awesome.
I posted that on Facebook and Instagram last night and my news feed started immediately blowing up with love and support from all of you.
I cried and cried last night reading all of your sweet comments.
I can never thank you all enough for your words. They get me through the tough times when I feel like giving up.

So I woke up with a new perspective and some words of wisdom:

Life isn't fair. Injuries happen. It doesn't make you less awesome. You've already accomplished so much. There will always been another race. Take care of yourself first. Run if you can. Walk if you need. Crawl if you must. JUST KEEP GOING.

I will be proud when I cross that finish line in 10 days.
Because I've come a long way.
I've already finished one half marathon. At 5 months postpartum.
And I remember that feeling entering the chute.
I will feel that again. Even if I have to be dragged.

Your are such an inspiration that even if you do have to walk you wont be letting anyone down. You got up and starting running and did a half marathon, that in itself is inspiration. I understand injuries. I was forced to take 2.5 months off of running due to calf injuries that left me in pain just walking. Maybe once your halfs are done if the pain still is there take some time off of running and switch exercises. Biking is amazing and low impact on the knees.

Injuries are such a pain in the balls. I was signed up for my first 5K and had the WORST shin splints, I could barely walk. It was horrible. So I didn't do it. I didn't think I could, so I didn't even try. And I regret it, all the time. Because now a 5K is SO huge in my mind and I'm nervous to get hurt again. I know it is no where near a half marathon, but it sucks. You can do this. You have trained for so long. And where everything else has that "this is too much I'm done" mentality, you have that "This sucks, but I'm going to make this my BITCH" mentality. Hang in there. You got this!

I agree don't worry about your time. Just enjoy what you have accomplished. I still can't believe you did your first 5 month post partumn. Go you! I could never do what you have. I haven't been bitten by the running bug yet!

absolutely! you the tits no matter what! you have inspired me so much! I officially hit 50 lbs down yesterday and while I know it was my hard work that did it, I owe you some thanks! the night I stumbled across your blog on pinterest was one of the best things ever! keep on keeping on. you are amazing and are going to rock Tulsa, one way or another :)

I wanted to directly send you an email - but I am all "who knows how to work this blogger stuff"? LOL

So, yes, I think your perspective this morning is PERFECT. You can do this, whether you walk, run, or somersault across the finish line. As a runner I KNOW the feeling of disappointment and that is totally NORMAL. You have put your heart and soul into this training and have the added pressure of "an audience". It is OKAY. These ladies LOVE you, regardless. This extra little bump in the road just goes to show your courage and strength even MORE. You are NOT giving up - that is admirable. I am rooting you on from STL girl... the pain will hopefully subside soon and you can push through. Best Wishes and Best Luck.

Take care of that knee! If you can, go see a Physical Therapist - they can get those deep knots worked out that you can't with a stick or foam roller (and it will hurt like a mother when they do it). We have a half coming up in 2 weeks. Hubby has some legs issues and is spending as much time as he can at the PT before the race. I hope it will help.

I know you can do it, just try not to push yourself and re-injure or worsen the issue. Walk breaks are always good. Take as many as you need! Have you looked into interval/Galloway training? I know many who do it and have had no injuries since they started it.

Good luck at your race! You will do awesome. The only one you can disappoint is yourself. You will have so much support out there! I'll be thinking of you when I run my half on the 18th!

I think what most of your readers love about you (including myself) is that you are REAL! Yep, that's right, a real human being. You make mistakes, but you keep on going. So guess what? real people get injured, they get sick, etc. Most importantly take care of YOU. You aren't letting anyone down. You have inspired so many people... and if you stay strong during this trial, I promise you will inspire even more. You have a lot to proud of. Who cares if you have to walk that race? Crossing that finish line is all that matters. And you'll probably still burn plenty of calories walking ;)

One race does not an inspiration make- you have inspired us all (I am running my first half with you in Dallas December 9th) whether you run, walk or crawl we all still support you and thank you. Don't put more pressure on yourself than you need to- you rock

Darling, you've already won! You are amazing and no matter HOW the race turns out....you will do it! You will make it! You keep us all going, we'll hold you up too! I've been working out EVERY day because of you!!!!! THANK YOU!<3

You are not letting anyone down. While I find it admirable that you want to run, regardless of your knee pain, hurting yourself isn't worth it. Walk if you have too. No one cares. And if they do? They weren't Looking out for YOU!

Do you read Hungry Runner Girl? (http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com) I couldn't help but think of her while watching your video. She was sidelined right before the Boston Marathon.

I know you hear it a million times a day but you and your blog are the reason I keep going. So seeing you struggle makes me know my days like that ARE normal. Sometimes I think we put so much pressure on ourselves and compare ourselves to others we don't believe anyone else could go through this. It is SUCH a peaceful feeling to know we face the same challenges and heartaches over runs, eating, LIFE! Keep going Mama, because if YOU do...so will I!!!!

This was a really sweet and honest video. Even if you stand on the sidelines and cheer people on, you will not let people down. You've done the work and inspired tons of people. Be kind to yourself. (People would probably be thrilled to just go to a bar with you!) Hope you're knee heals. I have been reading this blog for a long time but this is the first time I have commented. Feel better.

You have come so far! I have no doubt that the determination that has brought you this far will carry you across that finish line! I know a million people tell you this ALL the time but you inspire people daily! Can't wait to hear about how you tear it up on race day!

I totally understand your frustration! I have a 5K coming up on the 17th. Just when I finally felt like "Hey! I might really be ready for this run" my knee has started hurting too. Sometimes it even pops when I run. After you posted about foam rolling I remembered I had a foam roller and I should try it out. I haven't run today after rolling my IT band last night. I hope it helps.

I am almost 5 months postpartum and am at my heaviest weight....remember your heaviest weight? That is like me today. This 5K was suppose to be my motivation to get my butt in gear. (Let's not talk about the 4 lbs I have gained since training...that ticks me right off!)

I guess run or walk I will cross the finish line and just accomplish my little goal...even if I actually weight MORE than when I started.

Good luck with your run! Hope everything works out the way you want. You deserve it!!

If anyone is disappointed in you for walking during your race, they're ridiculous. The fact that you're out there at all doing what most people won't in their lifetime is amazing. Keep your chin up and do what you can and race knowing that you are an inspiration to all busy moms!

This video was heartbreaking! You know that we're all behind you no matter what happens on race day.

I'm sure you've already received this suggestion (and really, who am I to be doling out unsolicited advice?) but what if you just stayed off your knee for these two weeks and didn't run until the race? It's a big leap of faith, but on your blog I've read about many a run in which you felt some inspiration and just pulled out amazing feats in the heat of the moment! You run with passion, and I believe that you could bust out those last few miles even if you didn't get those last long training runs in. Your body, your race, your choice, of course! Just thought I'd throw it out there. Either way, I'm behind you, Mama!

You've got this Mama! Your determination will get you to the finish line- and your friends will be there to catch you and take you out for some strong drinks afterwards!! It is hard being sick and dealing with an injury at the same time... and it is frustrating. It's ok to feel that way. I know you are going to rock that race regardless. Have you heard of KT tape? Our Chiro introduced us to it and it helped me a lot. It may be able to help you deal with the pain and make recovery easier. Just google "KT Tape for IT Band" and there are videos on how to use it. I think you can get it on amazon, but running stores might have it too.

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said, but wanted you to know that I'll be with you in spirit when you run your half, and even if you have to crawl across the finish we'll all be so damned proud of you. Don't worry, you've got this!!

I didn't get a chance to watch this until earlier this morning - and it made me cry too. I'm not a runner and can't relate to what you are dealing with - but what I do know is you are stronger than you think you are. No amount of pain or frustration or ANYTHING will keep you down. You are one of the most amaze women I have ever known (you rank up there with my mom so that's pretty damn special) and you are so very inspiring even when you have a bad day. You will get thru this race - and you have every single one of your cheerleaders cheering you on every step of the way! We love you Mama - you could never let us down. The fact that you get up every day and do what you do is inspiration enough for me. LOVE YOU MAMA!!!!!

You are a strong woman and i know you can do it!!!! Look how far you have come, look at the hurdles you have overcome! Even if you have to walk some of it - you are out there doing this for yourself, you don't have to feel like you have to explain to us. We are just as proud of you and your are! don't ever let that little light of yours not shine! Go get em Mama! xoxox

Holly posted the link to your youtube post on her blog today so I watched it and my heart hurts for you for all the work youve been putting forward - it helped me get through my measly routine today - good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Keep up the great work! Don't ever feel like you are letting anyone down!Shoot, I have been following you for a while and feel like I let you down every time I quit...You will make it!Hope your knee gets better, prayers your way!

Well, everyone has already told you but you are awesome. You are an inspiration. And really, some people need to hear this too. You have to learn to listen to your body and sometimes being strong means backing down a little. Taking things a little slower. Use a few more walk breaks then last time to prevent long term injury. No one will ever think less of you for listening to your body and doing what's best to keep it safe and injury free. PLUS, there's even a whole running guru Jeff Galloway who says you can actually run harder and faster (that's what she said) if you take measured walking breaks. Check him out. He's gotten people qualified for the Olympics using a run/walk strategy. It's good for you.

Anyway, not sure if you have a list of stretches or not, but when my knees started aching really bad one of my friends who's a super certified high up there yoga teacher made a list of stretches to do just to strengthen my knees to reduce pain and injury. She posted it on her blog: http://jenniferyogalifeway.blogspot.com/2012/05/yoga-for-achy-knees.html

You are so awesome!! All anyone can give is their best... and its obvious you are. Thanks for sharing so much with us, a lot of us have moments like this that only our spouse see but its very motivating to know other people struggle but work through it and come out on top.. I know you will be awesome in Tulsa- just do the best you can do.

I completely understand how much an injury sucks! The past two weeks I developed a heel spur, and even walking causes me pain. I've been doing the stretches suggested, and even purchased insoles. Also, I haven't run since my 12 mile this past Sunday. Even though I want to run the rest of my training, I know that I'd rather rest now, and make it through my Half on Sunday with as little pain as possible. Then be in agony because I pushed myself too hard.

I am also preparing myself for a slower time then my first Half. I understand the pressure you put on yourself. But remember, even if you do walk your Half, you're still lapping everyone else on the couch. And, you inspire so many every day with your transparency and tenacity. Prayers that you heal soon!

So sorry you are going through this struggle! I'm starting my 6th week with no running because of shin splints and I 100% understand the frustration! Just rember, you are AMAZING, you've worked SUPER hard for this and no matter how you finish, you will have done something great! Hugs!

Brandy - Hang in there. I'm going through the same thing. I just finished a half in October and have a 5k and 10k this weekend where I talked friends into running and dealing with an injury too. I just want it to go well. It's nice to see that I am not the only one having the same feelings you are. You will rock no matter what.

You will rock it no matter how you finish because you are you! Just remember that we are always hardest on ourselves. And I truely believe you will suprise yourself because you are a fighter and you are one BA mama:) Keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers for you that your knee will heal.

OH ML I am so sorry you were feeling discouraged. It made me tear up to see you cry. I know how hard you have been working. No matter what happens on race day just remember how far you have come and how awesome you feel. If you can run, run. If you need to walk, walk. Either way I am sure it will be a fun day with so many fans and supporters of you. I don't really feel that you will have let them down if you don't run because of your injury and being sick. I think they, myself included, will think even more of you for still going out there to try. But I do agree that you must take care of yourself first.Good Luck to you and I know you will do Great because you are AWESOME! Thank you for always inspiring me!Whitney at jcway1182@blogspot.com

Oh girl, you made me get all teary! (note: it's TOM and watching paint dry would probably also make me teary). You are not letting anyone down! You raise us all up (literally motivate us to get our arses off of the couch) with your honesty and humor. I found your blog a few months ago and you have inspired me to start running (finished C25K last week), start my 2nd 30 day shred and lose 16 pounds along the way. You are totes amazeballs! Walk, run, crawl, MC hammer your ass through that race... No knee is gonna stop the Mama!

One of my favorite things about reading your blog and about your journey is that you share it all. You don't hide when things are going poorly and those are the posts that your readers love to see. They show that you are human and they make your victories that much sweeter.

I think I speak for all of us when I say that you will never disappoint us. You inspire me everyday. I strive to have your ambition and drive in life. We are all proud of you, no matter if you walk or PR or anything, we love you. All of your fans are coming to see you because you have changed their life in someway, they will not be disappointed. Keep doin it and we will all be here to help you along, just as you have helped so many of us.

Oh man, I teared up watching this! As someone who dropped out of my first half two weeks before due to knee pain, here's what I learned. DO.NOT. do your 12 miler this weekend. You're trained, you will do great. Take a few days off and get in a couple 3s or 4s next week.

The thing that saved me during the next time I trained and had the same IT band pain was a chiropractor. I was not a believer at all, but I met one at a race who practices Active Release Technique. (ART) He worked on my leg for the two weeks leading up to my race and I ran pain free. Turned out it was my sciatic nerve all along.

Just a suggestion and I'm sure you're getting 100's, so, take it for what it is worth. Good luck, you'll do amazing!

I just love you and your blog. It's these vulnerable moments that you share that make it so easy to get behind you. That really sucks about getting knee pain so close to the big event, but I think you're very smart to listen to your body and not over-do it when you feel this kind of pain. I think it would be so hard trying to train and prepare mentally knowing, like you said, that you'd have an audience, lots of pressure there! But from what I can tell, everyone who comes out for the race is there to support you and make sure you get across that finish line no matter what it takes. You got this. Rock it Mama! :)

Look into Jeff Galloway's run walk run method. It really helps with injuries! I would also forego the 12 mile run. Half marathons are VERY mental and you already have the "i can do this" down. Good Luck! and ps some people get better times with the run walk run method. you can get a timer from amazon that beeps at the increments you decide. I do a 3:1.

You're amazing Mama! I watched your video just after you posted it to YouTube, and tears welled in my eyes. Because of you I've started the C25K workout, and started on this journey to a new me! You should be so proud!

Hi Mama! I was training for my first half marathon a few months ago. I put everything into my training, when I supposed to run 6 miles for my long run I had enough in me to run 8.5! However, a few weeks later I had knee pain. I googled the crap out of "runners knee", "knee pain from running" and I realized that I had ITBS. I tried icing, stretching, going to a chiropractor 3 days a week..nothing helped. (I didn't have a foam roller at the time) It got to the point where I could only run 1 mile at a time without stopping from pain. I was super frustrated..I lost endurance because I couldn't run as long and I ended up not running the race after all. I wasn't very happy about it at first but then I realized that I needed to take care of myself first rather than focusing on running. I was told to do more strength training, core exercises and switching up cardio exercises like elliptical or spinning a couple times a week to help prevent ITBS. I hope that your injury goes away before your race...but remember to take care of your body first! You're a mama to those cute little boys!! GOOD LUCK! I'm rooting for you!!

I left a comment earlier about my knee hurting too. Here is what I found that works for me. If you haven't tried it give it a go and see if it works too. Glutamine powder...just add it to a protein shake. Take it once a day...twice on days you train extra hard. Not only has this taken my knee pain away but it makes me feel fresher (for lack of a better word).

I'm sure you have already tried everything...but are your shoes worn out or are you sure something hasn't changed and you need re-fitted for a new shoe? A while back I was fitted for shoes and was having the worse knee pain...my knees would literally crackle and pop as I walked...come to find out I was put into a wrong shoe and as soon as I got new shoes all the pain and popping stopped. I hope it's something as easy as that!

Good luck on your half...there is no shame in walking! You get the same bling as the guy that comes in first place! (at least that's what I told myself after a 5:45:45 marathon time!)

Hey Mama, when I started following your blog a while back, at first it was just for your witty humor and awesome stories. The more I read your blog the more it felt like I kind of knew you, like we're friends or something (which would be sweet - girl, you got style!). Your blog eventually got me off my ass and made me realize that dieting isn't a temporary thing and you aren't done once you lose xx amounts of pounds. You've come a long way and I know from how much you've shared with us that you are going to try your best at the half-marathon and that's all we need from you. You're an inspiration to me, you're one of the reasons I mustered up the guts to run my first 5K. Just go try your best and I'll be happy! Also, I'll be praying your training runs go smoothly from here on out and that the knee pain will subside.

First, I'd like to say how sorry I am you are having knee issues. It is incredibly disappointing to put in so much time and dedication towards reaching a goal and having something out of your control jeopardize reaching your objective.

I do, however, disagree with a lot of the comments on here. I feel that if you try your longer run tomorrow and your knee is bothering you to the degree it has been...I wouldn't race. A two hour experience of running a half marathon is not worth permanent damage to your knee. I know it's easy for me to say because I don't have people traveling to watch me race...but I'm sure I could speak for everyone saying you have already given so much of yourself and inspired so many...no one would want you to jeopardize your health. I would just hate for you to run/walk on your knee when you shouldn't because you felt you owed it to anyone else.

The inspiration is not lessened because you are listening to your body and not taking unnecessary risks. We all know you are extremely tough (mentally and physically) and how devoted and dedicated you are. You have inspired so many by your tenacity. I don't think anyone wants you to cause permanent damage to your knee by making it do something your body is telling you not to. Based on my personal experience I would recommend you ask yourself if your knee hurt this bad and you weren't training for a race would you run on it. (If it's hurting a little, then I'd say maybe go for it. With running your body usually hurts a little somewhere. Ha!)

I believe in you. We all believe in you. You inspire us every day. I hope tomorrow when you go for your longer run you don't feel serious pain and next week will not be a problem for you!! I will be rooting for you. Take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you nothing but the best!!

I didn't realize that by watching this I would start my Sunday off crying, LOL.

I know you will try your hardest on that run and I sure wish I could be there to watch you cross that finish line. You are such an inspiration to us all, whether you walk, run, or crawl across that finish line.